Westland Mineral Sands says it will have a preliminary report into what caused the grounding of the Manahau on Carter’s Beach by the end of the month.
The company has engaged one of New Zealand’s top maritime investigators for its internal investigation.
Tim Burfoot is a master mariner with 46 years’ experience in maritime operations and accident investigation.
He has held roles as Chief investigator for Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) and General Manager of Investigation Services working across maritime and rail accident investigations.
Tim spent 17 years at sea with five years in command of various ship types on international trades and has extensive shore-based leadership experience in marine operations management.
“We understand that the community has questions about what led to the Manahau running aground on Carter’s Beach. We will do our best to provide answers to those questions as soon as we are able while also respecting the investigations that are underway,” says WMS Managing Director Ray Mudgway.
“The Manahau’s grounding has had no impact on the delivery date of our latest shipment of heavy mineral concentrate (HMC), which left Nelson this week bound for China.
“Demand for our product is stronger than ever, our mining business continues to operate uninterrupted and mineral sand will continue to be shipped from Nelson.
“The welfare of the Manahau crew remains our highest priority and we are doing everything we can to ensure they are cared for and safe as we work with authorities on the investigation.
“The crew all hold visas permitting them to work in New Zealand, are on individual employment agreements governed by New Zealand law, remain fully employed and are paid at high market rates.
The Manahau is in Class with RINA who sign off the vessel for operations.
“RINA have already surveyed the vessel for damage, and we expect to know more about the repair plan in the next few weeks,” says Mudgway.
